Abstract

Samantha Cruz, Edwin L. Robison, and Tamara S. Zimmerman (2006) "Iteration of Second-Stage and Composite Procedures in the Current Population Survey"

Labor force estimates of the U.S. civilian noninstitutional population are derived through a number of weighting steps in the Current Population Survey (CPS) estimation procedure. Currently, the weight for each interviewed person includes a second-stage ratio adjustment. This second- stage estimation process uses Iterative Proportional Fitting (IPF), or raking, in order to simultaneously match three sets of independent population controls and to create second-stage weights. Upon completion of the second-stage process, the weights are subjected to a composite estimation process which also uses a three-way rake to match composite population controls; but the procedure does not reproduce all second-stage controls. This paper explores more complex raking methods to determine if a single set of weights can be produced that simultaneously preserves all second-stage and composite controls.

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Last Modified Date: January 9, 2007